Demottbttable-rim



Sept. 7 E. 1926n H. E. ANERSQJN DEMOUNMBLE RIMMECHANI sw Filed Apr'., 2, w23

Patented Sept. 7, 1925.

HARLEY E. ANDERSN, OIE GHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

DEMOUNTAlrBLEeRll/I MEUI'ANISM.

Application lecl .April 2, 19223.

This invention relates to improvements in demountalfile rim mechanism.

(lne object et the invention is to provide a demoui'itable rim .nu-ichanism especially a adapted lor automobile wheels, wherein simple etlicient and reliable means is provided .tor elliectively holding-iv the demountable rim in place on the rim of the wheel, which may be instantaneously operated to el'lect disi-engagement thereo't with the demountable rim, to permit quick removal of the latter.

il. further object of the invention is to provide a mechanism oli the character indicated, wherein a plurality ot elements are inovided iter holding and clamping the deinountable rim in place, together with means for simultaneously bringing' the same into clamping or releasing1 relation with lieten enc to the demountable rim.

il. still '[urther object oit the invention is to proviiflc a mechanism of the characti-ir indicated, "wh xrein the same amount of torce is applied te each of the elanipinp` elements 25 'lor holding1 the demountable rim in place.

iinother object of the invention to pro le a demountable rim clampin` mechanism, wherein the clamping force applied to the rim is equally distributed at spaced points on the rim, and. balanced at all times during' the clamping action.

another object oi' the invention is to provide a mechanism lfor detachably holding a deinountable rim in lined position on a wheel bv a plurality ol elementsn operated by a single :uftuatinnl means to bring the same into locking; cngjiuement with and engage the same 'from the deniountable rim.

Another object ot the invention is to proie vide a iliiauountable rin'i clauiiriing mechanism, wherein the clan'iping means proper is `fluid operated.

il more specific object ot the invention is to provide a demountafble rim clamping mechanism, coi'nprisingi` a plinality oit wedge acting plungers coaictingr with wedge faces on the detachable rim. wherein the plungers are simultaneously actuated by inter-communicatingl'luid pressure-operated means, supplied from a single source olf' fluid pressure.

tithe;- obiects and advantages oll theinlli Serial No. 629,498.

vention will more clearly appear from the description and claims hereinafter :followF ing.

ln the drawing forming` a part of this specilieation7 Fig. l is a side elevational view ot' a wheel with a demountable rim and tire thereon, showin@` my in'iproveinents in connection therewith. Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view ol a portion of the wheel illustrated in Fig. l, showing one et the clamping devices and the adjacent parts of the wheel and rim in vertical section. Fig.

is a transverse vertical sectional view, corresponCingi` substantially to the line ln-3 et itil; 2. liigj. Ll is a detail plan view of one olE the claniping devices, loollfin;` upwardly in Fig. 2. ltig. 5 is a horizontal, transverse sectional vi cw corresponding substantially to the line 5-5 et Figi'. 2. And Fig'. (S an enlarged side elevational view of that portion of the wheel illustrated in Figi'. l, through which the tire valve stem passes, certain parts o'l the air connection 'being shown in section.

ln said dra'iving, lO indicates the Ytelly oit the wheel, ll the lined rim7 l2 the demount able rim, lz the tire and E the tire valve,

My improved demountable rim clamping mechanism comprises, broadly, a pluralityy of fluid pressure-operated clamping)` devices proper A, mounted on the wheel; a plurality ot connections B for establishingv communication between said clamping;l devices; a connection C for establishing couiunication between the air valve olf the tire and one ol" said fluid-pressure operated clamping;l devices; and a plurality oill abutment .members D rigidly secured to the demountable rim and adapted to co-act with the clamping` dcvices.

ln Fig. l of the drawing, the wheel is shown as provided with six clan'lpingr devices A co-acting with an equal number ot abutment devices on the deinountable rim, but it will be understood that any number of clamping' devices and co-actinp,l abutments which will elliectively hold the rim in place may be used.

Each ot the liuid pressure operated clamping); devices ii coniprises a cylinder lfl and a 'liuid pressure controlled plunger 15 worin ing in the cylinder. Each cylinder le coinprises a portion 1G of uniform external diameter, and an enlarged end portion 17 closed by a cylindrical head 18. rThe portion 16 of the cylinder is provided with an axial bore 19 adapted to loosely receive the plunger for sliding movement. The bore 19 is enlarged at the end nearest the enlarged portion 17 of the cylinder, as indicated at 20, thereby providing an annular shoulder'2l, for a purpose hereinafter described. The enlarged portion 17 of the cylinder is of greater internal diameter than the diameter of the portion 2O of the bore 1), thereby providing a relatively wide,

l transversely extending, annular shoulder 22.

rt its inner end the wall of the enlarged portion 17 is slightly offset laterally, thereby providing a relatively narrow annular interior shoulder 23 approximately midway between the outer and inner end of said enlarged portion 17. rlhe cylindrical head 18 is provided with an externally threaded cylindrical flange 2-1 projecting from one side thereof, by which the head is secured to the cylinder, the threads of the flange engaging with corresponding interior threads on the offset wall portion of the cylinder. As clearly shown in Fig. 2 the internal diameter of the flange 24; corresponds to the internal diameter of the enlarged portion 17 in the cylinder and the space enclosed by the cylinder head and the enlarged portion 17 of the cylinder constitutes a chamber 25 adapted to receive the motive fluid. To pro-vide means by which the cylinder head may be turned to effect the tightening and removal thereof the same is provided at its outer side with a central hexagonal projection adapted to be engaged by a tool, such as a wrench.

The plungers 15 are slidably mounted for reciprocation in the cylinders 14, and each plunger is provided with a wedge face 26 at the outer end thereof, for a purpose hereinafter described. Attached to the inner end of each plunger 15 is a diaphragm 27, clamped between a pair of discs or washers 28 and 29 on the reduced end of the plunger, the washers and diaphragm Vbeing tightly held in clamped position by a nut 30. As'

clearly shown in Fig. 2,`the diaphragm 27 is located within the chamber 25, and the periphery thereof is tightly clamped between the end face of the flange 211 of the cylinder head and the annular shoulder 28. The diaphragm 27 is adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure to effect movement of the plunger 15 outwardly of the cylinder. The diaphragm may be formed of any suitable material which has the desired fiexibil-ity, butl is preferably made of rawhide or rubber. A coiled spring 3() surrounding the plunger 15 is interposed between the disc 29 and the annular shoulder 21, and forces the plunger inwardly of the cylinder when the actuating pressure is removed from the opposite side of the diaphragm 27.

The felly 10 of the wheel is pro-vided with a plurality of radially arranged, equally spaced cylindrical openings 31 corresponding in number to. the number of clamping devices, each adapted to receive the portion 1G of a cylinder 111, the cylinder being held in fixed position on the felly by means of a pair of lugs 32 oppositely extending from the enlarged portion 17 of the cylinder and secured by rivets 33 passing through the felly 10 and the fixed rim 11 of the wheel. The fixed rim 11 is provided with a plurality of perforationsv 34, each in axial alinement with an opening 31 of the felly, and of a size to loosely accommodate the plungers 15 projecting therethrough.

The abutment members D on the demountable rim 12 are of U-shaped form Aand are rigidly secured to the rim by means of flush rivets 35, 35. As clearly shown in F ig. 5, the U-shaped members D are arranged transversely of the demountable rim 12 with the arms 36 thereof diverging slightly outwardly toward their free ends and terminating adjacent the outer edge of the rim 12. The connecting portion 37 of the arms 36 of each member D is provided with a flat wedge face 38 adapted to co-act with the wedge face 26 of the co-acting plunger 15. rllhe arms 36 are spaced apart a distance approximating the diameter of the plunger 15 to snugly receive the same, and the inner side faces ofV the arms are beveled as indicated at 39 to facilitate the entrance of the plungers 15 therebetween, and aid in centering the parts. It will be evident that when the plungers 15 are in their projected position they are in driving engagement with the arms 3G causing the rim 12 and wheel to rotate in unison. 1n thi-s connection, it will be noted that by providing U-shaped abutment members which have the open portionsl thereof located at the outer edge of the demountable rim, the abutment members may be readily registered with the plungers 15, thus greatly facilitating the placing of the rim 12 in proper position on the wheel.

The demountable rim illustrated in the drawings is of the straight-sided type, but it will be evident that a clincherf or any other type of rim may be used. lThe rim 12 is shown as provided with peripheral side flanges 40, the sideV face of the inner flange of which is adapted to be forced into tight engagement with a peripheral flange 111 on the inner side of the fixed rim 11, by means of the wedging action of the co-acting wedge faces on the plungers. 15 and the abutment members D.

The fiuid pressure for operating the plungers is admitted to the chambers 25 of the cylinders 14 through the pipes B, connected to the opposite sides of the cylinder heads 18 and4 communicating with the interior ot the cylinders through openings 42 in the heads. As clearly shown in Fig. l, the pipes l extend trom one cylinder to the other, thereby establishing communication between the cylinders. The inflated tire 13 is preferably made use of as the source of l'luid pressure supply, the fluid pressure being conveyed from the tire through the medium oi? the tire valve E and the connec tion C to the cylinder 14 ot thelirst clamping means A, located limmediately to the right oit' the valve E, as seen in Fig. 1. The cylinder 14 of the last clamping means of the series which is that located to the lett ot the valve E as viewed in Fig. l, will have one of the openings 42 thereof closed by a suitable plug` to thereby close the end of the pipe line system, the remaining opening 42 being in conununication with the pipe B lead ing to the cylinder 14 ot the next adjacent clamping; mechanism of the series. It will he evident that, although, I have herein shown the connection C as establishing communication between the tire and the cylindero'l the clamping mechanism A to the at oit the valve stein l, the saine may be ringed so as to establish communication betwtwn the cylinder ol` the mechanism to the left of the valve stem E, or to c0mnnuiicate with both oit said mechanisms. It will be evident that in case both of the ad jacent cylinders are connected to the valve stein lll a check valve will be required in cach et said connections to prevent the escape ot the air trom the cylinders.

The connection G comprises a pipe 43 connected at one end to the cylinder 18 of the ehniipinp,v mechanism A to the right of the valve stein E and cmnn'iunicating with the interior oli the cylinder through the opening' 42 next adjacent the valve stem E; a checlr 7alve 44 communieatingwith the other end ot the pipe 43, and connected thereto by a union 4,); a pipe 46 communieatingl at one cud with the tire valve E and at the other end with the check valve 44 and connected to the latter by a union 49; a union 47; and a cap 4F. The cap 48 and the union 4l serve to connect the pipe 4G to the tire valve E; the screw threaded connection between the cap 48 and the valve stem E being air tipgh't.

The checlr valve 44, as clearly' shown in Fic'. 6, is ot the spring-pressed ball type, comprising; a ball 50 tao-acting with a valve seat and a springr 52 interposed between the hall 50 and the plug' 53 closing` the upper end ot the checlt valve. The spring`- pref-eed ball 5() pern'iits the tlow ot the 'fluid pressure` 'from the tire to the clamping members, but prevents the flow in the reverse direction, thereby maintaining;` the pressure in the Huid operated clamping mea-ns regardless oi? the condition of pressure in the tire.

rl'he union 4'?, as clearly shown in Fig. 6, comprises a littinp; 54 having a beveled tace engaging` with a correspondingly beveled tace at the mouth ot the valve lil, and is held in place by a collar 55 threaded on the reduced lower end oit the cap 48. A gasket of rubber, or any other suitable material, may be interposed between the beveled faces to assure an air-tight joint.

The tire valve herein illustrated, is of a well known construction and is, there'lore, not shown in detail being' an ordinary Schrader7 valve. his is well known. the Schrader type ot valve is provided with a valve member proper which permits the air to be forced into the tire but prevents the same from escaping therefrom. The valve member is provided with the usual projecting stem indicated by 56, which, when pressed inwardly, will open the valve proper land permit the air to escape trom the tire.

ln order to permit the `tlow ot air from the tire to the various Huid operated clamping devices A, means is provided tor positively holding' the valve stem 5G pressed inwardly a sullicient distance to hold the valve E open. The means lor holdingv the valve stem pressed inwardly, preferably comprises a rod 57 extending` axially' through the union 47, with its upper end eiraagriiin` the stem 5G and having?,` its lower end lined to the lower side wall ot the tube at the li-bend 58, as clearly shown in Fin'. (l.

ln the drawing, the demountable rim is shown :is held in fixed position on the wheel by means of the plungers l5, which, under the influence ot the fluid pressure are held in tightly wedned relation to the abutment members D, thereby holdinp; the demountable rim l2 tiehtly clampcf'l to the wheel by the inner 'l'lanpje 40 et the demountable rim being' pressed tightly an'ainst the illanne 4l on the tired rim ll.. When the parts are in this position, the valve proper ot the tire valve lll is held in open position by the rod 57 engaging the valve stein 56, thereby establishing); communication between the interior ot the tire and the various cyinders 14, permitting` the fluid pressure to flow from the tire to the cylinders and act on the diaphragms 27, thereby :torcingr the plune'ers l5 outwardly. ln this connection it is pointed out that any reduction ot pressure in the tire i3 due to leakage or puncture will in no way ali'ect the clamping action ot the plungrei's l5, the check valve 44 1neveutiupl the escape ot' tluid pressure troni the clamping nieans.

To remove the demountable rim and tire carried thereby from the Wheel, the union in the connection C is opened, thereby permitting the escape of the fluid pressure. iis the pressure in the chambers 25 of the cylinders 14 is reduced, the springs 30 will simultaneously effect the retraction of the plungers 15. The pipe 4G is then detached by unscreivingunion 47, whereupon the demountable rim may be easily removed from the Wheel.

In applying the vdemountable rim and tire carried thereby to the Wheel, assuming' that the tire has been fully inflated., the tire valve E is inserted through the opening provided therefor in the felly of the Wheel and the demouutable rim slipped into position in the usual manner, the U-shaped abutment members D being brought into alinement with the pl'ungers 15. The pipe 4G is then put in place and attached first by the union 45 and then union 47. lt Will be evident that in tightening the union 47 the stem 57 will be moved toward the tire valve E engaging with the valve stem 5G of the tire valve proper pressing the same inwardly, thereby opening the valve and permitting the pressure to escape from the tire and pass through the connection C into'the rst of the series of cylinders 14, and pass from one cylinder to another through the pipe. connections B. The fluid pressure entering the various cylinders will force the. plungersV 15 outwardly simultaneously, bringing the Wedge faces 26 of the outer ends thereof into engagement with the Wedge faces 38 of the abutment members B, thereby forcing the demountable rim 12 into tight engagement with the flange 41 of the fixed rim 11.

Should the tire E become deflated to such an extent that it is' necessary to refill the same, it may be inflated in the usual manner through the tire valve E, by first removing the pipe section 46: by disconnecting the same at the unions 47 and 49. Disconnecting the pipe section 46 inno Wayv affects the pressure inthe clamping system because the checlr valve 44 effectively prevents the escape of fluid pressure therefrom.

The fluid pressure operated' plunge-rs 15 provide a cushioning means in addition to the pneumatic tire, the abutments D being slightly spaced with reference to the outer face of the fixed rim 11 to permit a slight relative movement between the demountable rim 12 and the fixed rim whereby, the plungers 15 are adapted to have a limited movement inwardly of the cylinders 14 resisted by the pressure of the fluid in the chambers 25 of the cylinders.

By my improved arrangement of clamping means, l am able to force air or other fluid directly into the system through the check valve 44 so as to apply thel plungers to the demountable rim with a pressure of ap- Lasserrev pronimately 180 pounds permitting'an air pressure oft) pounds to be maintained in the tire.

From the preceding description taken in connection #with the drawing, it Will be evident that l have provided a very Simple means for enabling the quick detachment and attachment of the demountable rim of Wheel, the actual time required being only a fraction of" that consumed in detaching' or attaching a rim secured by the usual clamping lues..

The attachment of anti skid chains is also greatly facilitated by the use of my improved demountable rim clamping mechanism, in that it is merely necessary to jack up the Wheel, disconnect the union 47, and remove theI demountalole rim together With the tire. rThe chain may then be applied to the rim tire While demounted. The rim and tire with the chain attached is then replaced and the union 47 connected.

Although I have herein showed my imA proved demountable rim clamping mechanisrn as applied to a Wheel having a wooden felly,I it will be evident that the same is not limited to use with any particular type of Wheel or felly. lVhent-he mechanism is applied to a Wheel having a steel U-shaped telly instead of the wooden felly herein shown, all the connections B and the clamping devices Arwill be used Within the felly thereby better protecting the same from the Weather and from other sources of damage.

I have herein shown and described what I now consider the preferred manner of carrying out the invention, but the same is merely illustrative and l contemplate all changes and modifications that come Within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

I claim l 1. The combination With a Wheel and a demountable tire carrying rim; of a plurality of circumferentially spaced, rim clamping devices, fluid pressure-actuated mechanism for operating each of said devices; a sourcev of fluid under pressure; and means for establishing communication between said source andall of said fluid' pressure-actuating mechanisms.

2. The combination with a Wheel; of a demountable rim carrying a pneumatic tire; circumferentially spaced elements for clamping the rim to the Wheel, fluid pressure-operated means for operating said ele-ments, said elements and means being permanently mounted on the Wheel; and means for communicating the fluid pressure of said tire to said clamping fluid pressure operated means for operating the latter.

3.. In a clamping means for a demeunt-able rim for a Wheel, the combination with a plurality of circumferentially spaced fluid pressure actuated. clamping devices permanently mounted on said Wheel; of means for establishing fluid communication between said devices.

fl. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with a wheel; oil a rim; means for detachably clamping the rim to the wheel7 said means including a plurality of slidable plungers, radially disposed on said wheel; and fluid pressure-operated means for operating said pluugers.

5. ln a mechanism of the character described, the combination with a wheel; of a rim; means for detach'ably clamping the rim to the wheel, said means including a plurality of spring retracted slidable plungers., said` plungers being radially disposed with reference to said wheel; and fluid pressure operated means for projecting said plungers.

(l. ln a fluid pressure operated rim clamping means, the combination with a cylinder; of a spring retracted clamping plunger mounted in the cylinder; means for admitting fluid pressure to said cylinder to force the plunger into projected position; and means for effecting withdrawal of the fluid pressure to cause said plunger to be retracted.

7. ln a fluid pressure operated rim clamping1 means, the combination with a cylinder; of a spring retracted clamping plunger woiiking in said cylinder; a diaphragm within the cylinder and concting with the plunger; and means for subjecting the diaphragm to fiuid pressure to project the plunger.

8. The combination with a wheel and a demountable rim carrying an inflatable tire; of a fluid pressure operated means for holding the rim in fixed position on the wheel; means for establishing communication between the fluid pressure operated means and the interior of said tire, said means for establishing communication in cluding` a device for holding the tire valve open.

9. rlhe combination with a wheel, and a demountable rim carrying an inflatable tire; of a fluid pressure operated means for holding the rim in fixed position on the wheel; means for establishing communication between the fluid pressure operated means and the interior of said tire, said means for establishing communication including a check valve operative to permit the flow of the pressure from the tire to the fluid pressure operated means and preventing the flow in the reverse direction.

10. The combination with a wheel, and a demountable rim carrying an inflatable tire; of a fluid pressure operated means for holding the rim in fixed position on the wheel; means for establishing communication between the fluid pressure operated means and the interior of said tire, said means for establishing communication including dei is vices for reducing the pressure in said fluid pressure operated means.

ll. rl`lie conibination with a wheel and a dcmountable rim carrying` an inflatable tire; of a plurality of fluid pressure operated clamping` devices for holding the rim in lined position on the wheel; and means for simultaneously establishing` communication between said devices and the interior oi. the tire, said means including` a removable connection adapted to be secured to the tire valve.

i2. The combinationv with a wheel and a deu'iountable rim carrydngan inflatable tire; of a plurality of :fluid pressure operated clamping devices for holding the rim in fixed position on the wheel; and means for establishing communication between said devices and the interior of the tire7 said means including` a removable connection adapted to be secured to the tire valve, said connection being provided with a device for operating the tire valve to open the same when the connection is secured in operative position.

13. rlhe combination with a wheel, and a demeuntable rim carrying an inflatable tire; of a plurality of fluid pressure operated clamping devices for holding the rim in fixed position on the wheel; and means for establishing` communication between the said devices and the interior of the tire, said means including a check valve and a removn able connection, said connection being adapted to establish communication between the tire valve and check valve.

lll. The combination with a wheel and a demountable rim carrying an inflatable tire; of a plurality of fluid pressure-operated clamping devices for holding the rim in fixed position on the wheel; and mea-ns for establishing communication between said devices and the interior of the tire, said means including a. checlr valve adapted to maintain the fluid pressure in said devices,

and means between check valve and said devices for relieving the pressure.

l5. The combination with a wheel; of a demountable rim; of a series of clamping devices mounted on the wheel; a plurality of fluid pressure actuated means for oper'- ating said devices; means for establishing` communication between the different fluid pressure actuated operating` means; and means for establishing' communication between one of said operating means and a source of fluid pressure.

16. In a clamping means for demountable rims for wheels, the combination with a plurality of circumferentially spaced inheriently compensatory pressure-equalizing clamping devices permanently attached to a wheel; of means for operating all of said devices simultaneously to clamp the rim in place.

lou

17. In a clamping means for a demountn able rim for a Wheel, the combination With a plurality of radially disposed clamping devices, carried by the Wheel independently of the liin automatically adjustable relatively to each other; of inherently compensatory means for simultaneously operating all of said devices, whereby an equal distribution of the clamping pressure of said devices on the rim is obtained. 10

In Witness that. I claim the foregoing I have heeunto subscribed my naine this 29th day of March, 1923.

HARLEY E. ANDERSON. 

